THREE East Lancashire businesses scooped prestigious titles at the fourth annual England Food Awards.

Blackburn’s Reedy’s Naturally won the category for the best English Food Produce of the Year, Longridge-based Clegg’s Chilled Food Service won Wholesaler of the Year and The Bees Country Kitchen in Chorley, won the Cafe/Bistro of the Year North West.

The awards ceremony was held in Manchester and recognised the success of hundreds of professionals and establishments chosen by public.

Several of the awards were split into local regions to recognise the diverse range of businesses from across England for their hard work.

Reedy’s Naturally, in Elder Court, Blackburn stock a range of condiments including jams, marmalade, chutneys and mustards.

The products are hand prepared and handmade in small batches and cooked in open pans.

Lisa Jane Reedy, 52, who lives in Helmshore and runs the Reedy’s Naturally, said: “I could not believe it when it was announced. I had to pinch myself.

“It was a mixture of shock, elation and happiness before I thought ‘my lord I have to speak in front of 300 people’.

“It was like real happiness knowing that all the hard work we put in has come to fruition.

“It’s a massive accolade.

“The day after the award ceremony I had to go back to work so I celebrated with some friends back at Reedy’s.

“I posted a picture of the award on social media and my customers are so made up.

“We are not like a supermarket we know everybody who comes in.

“I have had over 100 comments saying well deserved. It was just great.

“I know our products are really lovely and locally they have a massive following.

“Our customers don’t go anywhere else once they have been here. I have customers for life.

“I sometimes think we forget how many small food businesses we have around Lancashire.

“It’s easy to think it’s all happening in London and elsewhere but we have some amazing business on our door step.”

Irfan Younis, CEO of organisers Creative Oceanic, said: “We are honoured and delighted to have such great finalists and winners representing the English food industry and enhancing its reputation nationally and internationally.

“The Food Awards are a true reflection of the talent in the country and we want to make sure that the hard work and determination of English food professionals don’t go unnoticed.”